Tickets for the 2022 Ho‘ike at the Merrie Monarch Festival sold out Tuesday in about four hours.
Hundreds of people lined up at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in the morning to buy tickets for the Ho‘ike, a noncompetition exhibition of hula and dance from around the Pacific Rim.
The Ho‘ike will be held April 20 at Edith Kanaka‘ole Multi-Purpose Stadium. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be the first Ho‘ike since 2019.
Normally the Ho‘ike is free to attend, but concerns about the virus prompted the decision to limit the number of seats to 2,000 and sell the tickets for $5 in advance.
All of the tickets were sold out by noon.
Pua Kamahoahoa traveled from Oahu on Tuesday morning just to stand in line for tickets.
“My son is dancing with his halau, so I had to get these. It is totally worth the travel,” Kamahoahoa said. “The Ho‘ike gives you a chance to see so many dancers, and it’s important to be a part of it.”
Kamahoahoa did not know the tickets to Ho‘ike would be on sale this week until she saw a post on social media last week.
“I don’t think my son’s halau even knew what was going on, but I’m glad we realized when we did,” Kamahoahoa said. “Hilo becomes a different Hilo during Merrie Monarch, and I’m excited to see it. Two years without it is two years too long.”
Kamahoahoa was standing next to Cristi Fields, who is looking forward to attending the Ho‘ike for the first time.
“I’ve never stood in line long enough to actually go to Ho‘ike,” Fields said. “After two years without Merrie Monarch, I thought it was a good time to change that.”
Lynda Williams got in line 7 a.m. and waited three hours to buy tickets for her and nine others.
“This will be my first time going, and I’m really looking forward to it,” Williams said. “Some of the people I’m getting tickets for are not vaccinated, though, so I’m not sure some of them will be able to attend.”
Proof of vaccination and an ID will be required to enter the stadium for the Ho‘ike. Negative test results will not be accepted in lieu of proof of vaccination.
Masks will be required at all times in the stadium, except when eating and drinking.
Kathy Foy was happy to get in line around 7 a.m. to get tickets for this year’s Merrie Monarch’s only public night.
“Last time I went, I talked to some amazing people, and it was just wonderful,” Foy said. “It truly is a big deal, and to be able to see people I know compete and represent Hilo is so special to me.”
The gates will open at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20, for the Ho‘ike, and performances will begin at 5:45 p.m.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com